Kurt Busch qualified third [at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500], but his #2 Dodge was later disqualified because his right rear shock did not meet NASCAR specifications. He will now start 42nd.(Associated Press)(10-12-2006)
UPDATE: A NASCAR spokesperson confirmed Friday that the sanctioning body has taken possession of the right rear shock from the #2 Dodge driven by Kurt Busch on Thursday night. Busch qualified in the second spot, but NASCAR’s post-qualifying inspection found that the right rear shock would not bounce back. Because of that, NASCAR officials ruled that the car did not meet specifications, disqualified the time and forced the team to take a provisional. Busch will start 42nd Saturday. Roy McCauley, crew chief for the No. 2, said Friday that he believes the problem was a simple mechanical breakdown. “NASCAR is right, there was a problem with it,” McCauley said. “Right now, I believe it was an equipment malfunction or failure. We got loose in qualifying and we were expecting to be tight, so I think that at some point during the run the shock must have failed. I don’t fault NASCAR one bit (for taking the shock). It wasn’t right, but obviously we wouldn’t put it on the car like that. We’ve just got to move past it and move on.” NASCAR officials remained skeptical, however, and a spokesperson indicated that penalties could be forthcoming.(Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service)(10-14-2006)
